The term gaslighting is a relatively new term for most of us and is becoming common in today’s pop culture scene. If you’re like me, you may have been wondering what does gaslighting mean? And how does this apply to the workplace? Let’s take a look at the term and some examples. Gaslighting may be more common in your workplace than you may think.
Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse where an individual tries to gain power and control over an employee (or other person) by instilling in them self-doubt. We have observed this type of behaviour from management, supervisors, peers and even clients.
Gaslighting phrases use to silence a person:
You are crazy and need help…
You must work on that…
You are just insecure and jealous…
You are too sensitive…
You overreact…
Maybe that’s what you heard in your head, but that is not what I said…
Can’t you take a joke…
I never said that you have a terrible memory…
You always jump to the wrong conclusion…
Can you hear yourself?
Stop taking everything so seriously…
Gaslighting is a tactic that works to convince someone that maybe they are incompetent, stupid, and not worth the position they hold. This type of abuse erodes a person’s sense of self-worth, value, and their own confidence. Once this behaviour has been identified actions must be taken to prevent the psychological abuse.
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